Today, approximately 25% of children and adolescents are obese and the number is increasing. Since the 1960s, childhood obesity has increased by 54% in children between the ages of six and eleven. In children aged twelve to seventeen it increased by 39%. (Silberstein, 1) Childhood obesity is so widespread among these age groups that it has reached epidemic proportions. One of the causes of childhood obesity is genetics. Children who have overweight parents or siblings are at greater risk of becoming obese themselves. Genetics accounts for approximately 25-40% of childhood obesity. (Causes of Obesity, 2) While genetics are a significant factor, diet and lifestyle also play an important role in the rise of childhood obesity. Consumption of soft drinks has an impact on childhood obesity. According to France Ellisle of the French Institute of Health and Medical Research, there is a direct connection between weight gain and sugar. The average teenager consumes approximately fifteen to twenty teaspoons of sugar per day. (Scott, 2) Along with sugar, children are eating more and more fast food. The sit-down dinner has come to an end. In most families, both parents work full time, leaving little time to prepare healthy meals. Parents are looking for food that is quick, cheap and satisfies the child. The problem with fast food is that it has very little nutritional value and is often high in fat and salt, with a good dose of preservatives.....